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Cold

Feature: Common cold

What is the common cold? How is it different from the flu? The cold is an infection that is usually caused by viruses and develops over a few days. It usually starts with a scratchy or sore throat.

Feature: Microbes

Over 100 years ago, in May 1910, Robert Koch died. He was one of the founders of modern microbiology and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine for discovering the tuberculosis bacillus. But what exactly are microbes? When are they good for us and when do they harm us? Read more about them in this feature.

What are microbes?

Research summaries

Common colds: Does echinacea work?

It is not clear whether echinacea extracts can prevent colds. Some echinacea products might help to reduce the length and severity of a cold if taken at the very beginning. Because the available products are very different to one another, more research is needed. Adverse effects are rare. more...

Acute respiratory tract infections: Can Umckaloabo or Kaloba relieve symptoms?

There is some weak evidence that in respiratory tract infections an extract from the root of the Pelargonium sidoides could shorten the length of the illness and relieve symptoms. Yet this remedy can have adverse effects, for example gastrointestinal problems. more...

Common colds: Can vitamin C prevent or relieve them?

Taking vitamin C every day to try to prevent colds does not protect most people from colds. It only slightly shortens the amount of time that they are ill. Starting to take vitamin C at the first sign of a cold does not affect the course of the cold. more...